Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and many music enthusiasts are turning to turntables to enjoy their favorite albums.
If you’re new to the world of turntables, you may be wondering how to connect your Audio Technica turntable to your receiver. Fear not, as we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure that you can enjoy your vinyl collection with ease.
Whether you have a receiver with a built-in phono preamp or need to use the turntable’s built-in preamp, we’ll guide you through the process of connecting your turntable to your receiver.
So, let’s get started!
How To Connect Audio Technica Turntable To Receiver
Step 1: Place your turntable next to your receiver
The first step in connecting your Audio Technica turntable to your receiver is to place the turntable next to the receiver. This will make it easier to connect the cables and ensure that both units are stable.
Step 2: Connect the RCA-type stereo cable
Connect the supplied RCA-type stereo cable to the output of your turntable. If your turntable did not come with a cable, you can purchase a quality RCA-type stereo cable from any electronics retailer.
Step 3: Examine the audio input options on your receiver
Look at the back of your receiver and examine the audio input options. If your receiver has a built-in phono preamp, it will have inputs labeled “Phono.” If your receiver does not have a phono input, you can use any receiver input, such as the ones labeled “Line,” “Audio,” “CD,” or “Auxiliary.”
Step 4: Connect the output cable to the receiver input
Connect the output cable coming from your turntable to the appropriate input on your receiver. If your turntable is equipped with a GND (ground) wire, connect it to the GND terminal screw on the receiver.
Step 5: Check the input setting on the front display
In order to hear vinyl playing back from your turntable, be sure to check the input setting on the front display so that its name matches the rear panel input you used for connection.
Understanding Your Audio Technica Turntable
Before connecting your Audio Technica turntable to your receiver, it’s important to understand the components and technologies involved in the process. Unlike other audio devices, the audio signal coming from your turntable’s cartridge needs to pass through a specialized processing device called a phono preamp.
All Audio Technica turntables have an analog output (RCA connection) which may allow the user to connect directly to powered speakers. If your Audio Technica turntable has an internal RIAA preamp, you may connect the turntable directly to powered speakers. Powered speakers are equipped with an internal power amplifier, their own power connection and, often, a volume control. Input jacks on powered speakers can vary, so Audio Technica includes two adapter cables with their turntables to make connection to different types of powered speakers easy.
The setups for connecting your Audio Technica turntable to powered speakers are quick and simple. Setup #1 involves connecting the RCA (red and white) plugs from the turntable cable into the corresponding RCA inputs on the powered speaker. Setup #2 and #3 involve using adapter cables to connect the RCA plugs from the turntable cable to the powered speaker’s 3.5 mm input cable or Line Level input.
It’s important to note that if neither your turntable nor the audio system you want to connect it to has a built-in phono preamp, you will need to add one. Any phono preamp will work with the moving-magnet (MM) cartridge that comes fitted onto most turntables. Many audiophiles like to retrofit their turntables with moving-coil (MC) cartridges; these require a phono preamp that’s designed to work with both MM and MC cartridges.
Turntables without a built-in phono preamp also require a ground cable between the turntable and the phono preamp (or the receiver or speakers with a built-in phono preamp) to eliminate any potential hum or noise between components. This can be a separate ground cable or one combined into the audio cables. The turntable and the phono preamp both have screws for attaching the ground cable.
By understanding these components and technologies, you can ensure that you are properly connecting your Audio Technica turntable to your receiver or powered speakers for optimal listening experience.
Identifying Your Receiver Inputs
When identifying your receiver inputs, it’s important to look at the back of your receiver and examine the audio input options. As mentioned earlier, if your receiver has a built-in phono preamp, it will have inputs labeled “Phono.” However, if your receiver does not have a phono input, you can use any receiver input, such as the ones labeled “Line,” “Audio,” “CD,” or “Auxiliary.”
It’s important to note that some A/V receivers have a built-in preamp allowing you to bypass your turntable preamp, or connect a turntable without a built-in preamp to it. If your receiver has this feature, you can use the “Phono” input and bypass the turntable’s built-in preamp.
If your receiver does not have a phono input or a built-in preamp, you will need to purchase a separate outboard phono preamp. In this case, you would plug your turntable’s audio cable into the phono preamp’s input, connect your turntable’s ground wire (if it has one) to the grounding post on the phono preamp, and then plug the phono preamp’s audio output into one of your receiver’s analog audio inputs.
By identifying your receiver inputs and understanding whether or not it has a built-in preamp, you can easily connect your Audio Technica turntable to your receiver and start enjoying your vinyl collection.
Connecting Your Turntable To Your Receiver With A Built-in Phono Preamp
If your receiver has a built-in phono preamp, connecting your Audio Technica turntable to it is even simpler. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Connect the analog audio cable
Connect the analog audio cable’s 3.5 mm plug into the “Analog Out” port on the back center of the turntable. Then plug the RCA end (red and white plugs) into your receiver’s phono input.
Step 2: Check the input setting on the front display
Check the input setting on the front display so that its name matches the rear panel input you used for connection. This will ensure that you can hear vinyl playing back from your turntable.
Step 3: Ground the turntable (if necessary)
If your turntable is equipped with a GND (ground) wire, connect it to the GND terminal screw on your receiver. This will help reduce any unwanted noise or hum.
Step 4: Turn on your system
Turn on your turntable and receiver, and start playing your vinyl records. You should be able to hear them through your speakers.
Connecting Your Turntable To Your Receiver Without A Built-in Phono Preamp
If your receiver does not have a built-in phono preamp, you will need to purchase a standalone phono preamp. This is necessary because the signal coming from your turntable is too weak to be processed by a receiver without a preamp.
Step 1: Purchase a standalone phono preamp
You can find standalone phono preamps at any electronics retailer or online. Look for one that fits within your budget and has good reviews. Some popular options include the ART DJPREII, the Pro-Ject Phono Box, and the Behringer Microphono PP400.
Step 2: Connect the phono preamp to the turntable
Connect the RCA-type stereo cable coming from your turntable to the input of your phono preamp. Make sure to connect the white cable to the left input and the red cable to the right input. If your turntable has a GND wire, connect it to the GND terminal screw on the phono preamp.
Step 3: Connect the output cable to the receiver input
Connect a separate set of RCA-type stereo cables to the output of your phono preamp. Connect the white cable to the left input and the red cable to the right input on your receiver. Be sure to connect these cables to a LINE-level input on your receiver, such as “CD” or “Auxiliary,” and not a phono input.
Step 4: Turn on your system and test it out
Once you have connected everything, turn on your system and test it out by playing a vinyl record. If everything is connected correctly, you should hear music coming from your speakers. If you experience any issues with sound quality or volume, double-check your connections and make sure everything is plugged in correctly.
Adjusting Settings And Testing Your Connection
Once you have connected your Audio Technica turntable to your receiver, it’s time to adjust the settings and test your connection. Follow these steps to ensure you get the best sound possible:
Step 1: Adjust the volume
Before you start playing any music, turn down the volume on your receiver to avoid any sudden loud noises that could damage your speakers or your hearing. Start with a low volume and gradually increase it until you reach a comfortable listening level.
Step 2: Check the balance
To ensure that both speakers are working properly, check the balance. Play a song with vocals and listen carefully to see if the vocals are coming from both speakers equally. If not, adjust the balance settings on your receiver until they are balanced.
Step 3: Adjust the equalizer
If your receiver has an equalizer, use it to fine-tune the sound to your liking. Play a song with a lot of bass and adjust the bass levels until it sounds balanced. Then, play a song with a lot of treble and adjust the treble levels until it sounds balanced as well.
Step 4: Test the sound quality
To test the sound quality of your turntable, play a record with a lot of dynamic range and listen for any distortion or clipping. If you hear any distortion, adjust the volume or equalizer settings until it goes away.
Step 5: Enjoy your music!
Once you have adjusted all of the settings and tested your connection, sit back and enjoy your music! Vinyl records have a warm and natural sound that is hard to replicate with digital music, so take some time to appreciate the unique listening experience that vinyl provides.
Tips For Maintaining Your Audio Technica Turntable And Receiver
Maintaining your Audio Technica turntable and receiver is essential to ensure that you get the best sound quality and longevity from your investment. Here are some tips to help you maintain your turntable and receiver:
1. Keep your turntable clean
Dust and debris can accumulate on the surface of your turntable, affecting the sound quality. Clean your turntable regularly with a soft cloth to remove any dust or debris.
2. Use a record brush
Before playing a vinyl record, use a record brush to remove any dust or debris that may be on the surface of the record. This will help to prevent any damage to your stylus and improve the sound quality.
3. Store your vinyl records properly
Store your vinyl records in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This will help to prevent warping and damage to the records.
4. Check your stylus regularly
Inspect your stylus regularly for any signs of wear or damage. A worn or damaged stylus can cause distortion and affect the sound quality. Replace the stylus if necessary.
5. Check your receiver regularly
Inspect your receiver regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Check the connections and cables for any signs of wear or damage as well.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Audio Technica turntable and receiver are maintained properly, providing you with high-quality sound for years to come.
